Hey Guys and Girls,
I am an ametuer fly fisherman with a strong passion for the sport. I started fly fishing about 4 years ago when I came to CU boulder for school and feel deeply in love with the sport. I'll keep the rest short, but I am in the market for a new reel. I currently have a Orvis battenkill Large arbor reel that I absolutley love. I bought it prior to a trip to Alaska and now that I can only make it Around Wyo, Utah, and Colo. I realize that it is basically just a pain to lug around and I get very little feel on it on medium size fish. I want a reel that has a good feel and price is only a moderate concern. I like to buy gear that will preform and last so that I never have to upgrade. I like the sound of Spring and Prawly drag system using the palming technique as a drag. It sounds so much purer form of fishing. I am very intrested in the Abel trout series, and was wondering what people thought of it, and whether there was a better option. My rod is the Sage VPS graphite III 9'0 5 weight. Anyway respond with any helpful information, or if you just want to talk fishing. -Smith

I like the sound of Spring and Prawly drag system using the palming technique as a dr

That's the Hardy reels all the way .... at least the big/older ones. You could hear them 50 yards away when line was running out behind a hot fish. And that's the thing I miss most about 'modern reel design'.... no sound!!!
fae

I don't do much trout fishing anymore because of circumstance and location but I have an Abel TR-1 and it's a jewel. I also own Four Hardy's, one an antique "perfect' and the others a Marqese and a Feather Weight.. The Orvis CFO's which I also have are made by Hardy... but if you look at the Abels in that series, including the Spring Creek, you would be happy .